PlayStation Vita Review
With the PS Vita launching in the coming week, the big question remains: is it worth it? Five years ago, a portable handheld gaming system with nearly the power of a PS3 would have easily resulted in a resounding yes. Yet today, in a world plagued with persistent next-gen iPad, iPhone, and Android rumors, the very notion of a dedicated gaming handheld calls in doubts. I’ve had the fortune of playing with a PlayStation Vita for the past two months and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a device with tons of potential. The question is, will it ever get a chance to realize it?
Upon first glance, the Vita looks very much like its predecessor, the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Of course then you notice the second analog stick and the repositioned (and smaller) buttons. The real jaw dropper happens once you turn it on. The 5-inch OLED screen does not fail in wowing viewers. It’s bright, colorful, and crisp.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss
Though built on Android, the Vita interface has be redone to its own unique style. It doesn’t carry anything from the PS3 XMB. Instead you have giant bubbles that open applications, games, and functions for the device. It’s not the most innovative or sexiest of UI, but it’s made fully in the mindset of taking advantage of the touchscreen. You touch, swipe, and hold down, just as you would any other smart device you find today.
Custom Vita Home Screen
Aside from gaming, the Vita has camera, music, and video functionality. While that may have been a big plus years ago, these features seem average at best. It’s hard to really see the Vita become that all-in-one device when phones offer more music options and tablets offer a better viewing experience. Most likely it won’t be replacing any of those devices. Then again, at the end of the day, those getting the Vita aren’t getting it for the multimedia options; they’re getting it for the gaming.
So how does it do as a gaming platform? It performs remarkably. It’s essentially carrying the PS3 in your pocket. The games are snappy, vibrant, and can provide the same amount of action you’d find in the home console. Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom translates nearly the same experience over on the smaller screen. The only major difference I noticed is the lack of full background movement (things move, but the stage doesn’t change over the course of a battle). Uncharted: Golden Abyss still delivers an amazing roller coaster ride worthy of the Uncharted franchise name. Make no mistake, the Vita is a device made for the traditional and hardcore gamer.
PS Vita Windows
Gaming is ultimately what it all boils down to. While detractors are quick to point out that the tablets and smartphones offer tons of successful games, the iOS and Android platform has yet to build a true marketplace for hardcore games. A few minutes of Angry Birds might do the job on a quick subway ride to work, but casual games do little to satisfy a true gaming experience. I found it difficult to put down my Vita as I found myself in a world of temple ruins, mercenaries, and treasures as Nathan Drake; I haven’t been able to say the same about any of the games I’ve played (and bought) on my iOS and Android devices.
The question to whether or not to buy the Vita is tied to the type of gamer one is. If you’re into buying hit games (especially around the day of release) and would like to bring that experience on the go (because slingshotting birds at pigs just isn’t cutting it), the Vita may be for you. The problem is whether or not third party publishers will continue to support the game past launch. There’s a decent lineup now and bringing PSP compatibility adds that cherry on top, but at even at $250, it will take a lot more hits to make this a viable and worthwhile platform.
PlayStation Store
Final Verdict: If the games you see now can tie you over for the next few months and you’re looking for a “true” gaming-on-the-go experience, the Vita is definitely an option with pursuing. If you’re on the fence, it’s better to hold off and wait to see where the Vita will go.
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I am looking forward to getting a new Vita. Besides the stand alone gaming and other stuff it can do, I want it for what it can do with the PS3. I’m surprised there was no mention of these options in the article. My old PSP is wore out so I am looking to replace it anyway. I figure I might as well get the newest and best while I’m at it.
There’s a few titles, such as UMvC3 where you can use the Vita has a touchscreen controller for the PS3. Aside from that, I really haven’t seen too much function, aside from transferring media from one to another.